Slovakia’s Prime Minister In Stable Condition After Assassination Attempt

By FrumNews.com 

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot in an attempted assassination attempt on Wednesday after leaving an off-site government meeting in the central Slovak town of Handlova. 

The suspected gunman was among a small crowd of people waiting to greet the prime minister on the street outside the cultural center where the meeting took place, local media reported.

The gunman shot Fico, 59, five times, leaving the prime minister in critical condition. He was then carried to a black car and was flown by helicopter to the hospital. Hours later, the prime minister underwent surgery.

Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Environment Minister Tomas Taraba told the BBC that he was shocked by the attempt, “Fortunately, as far as I know, the operation went well – and I guess in the end he will survive… he’s not in a life-threatening situation at this moment.” But there were no formal updates on Fico’s condition.

Officials said a suspect was in custody. The shooter’s motive remained unclear. 

Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok said the attempt was politically motivated. He said the suspect decided to carry out the attack after the presidential election. 

Slovak President-elect Peter Pellegrini, who takes office next month, said, “An assassination attempt on the Prime Minister is a threat to everything that has adorned Slovak democracy so far.”

U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the attempted assassination, “I am alarmed to hear reports of an attack on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.  Jill and I are praying for a swift recovery, and our thoughts are with his family and the people of Slovakia. We condemn this horrific act of violence. Our embassy is in close touch with the government of Slovakia and ready to assist.”